The decision by the Israeli Higher Planning Committee to approve
plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, East of
Jerusalem, is unacceptable and a violation of international law.
We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in
the strongest terms.
Minister Smotrich says this plan will make a two-state solution
impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting
Palestinian access to Jerusalem. This brings no benefits to the
Israeli people. Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels
further violence and instability, taking us further away from
peace.
The Government of Israel still has an opportunity to stop the E1
plan going any further. We encourage them to urgently retract
this plan.
Unilateral action by the Israeli government undermines our
collective desire for security and prosperity in the Middle East.
The Israeli government must stop settlement construction in line
with UNSC Resolution 2334 and remove their restrictions on the
finances of the Palestinian Authority.
This statement has been signed by:
- The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
- The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission
